Antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system

ABSTRACT

An antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system to be installed outdoors and used for transmission and reception of radio signals. The object is to provide a small, lightweight antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system formed of the reduced number of parts and assembling steps. The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system consists of a housing having one end surface in which an opening is formed and the other end surface in which an antenna mounting surface is formed, and including a transmitter/receiver function unit formed of a waveguide circuit unit, a high-frequency electrical circuit unit, and an intermediate frequency electrical circuit unit; an antenna connected to the transmitter/receiver function unit mounted on the other end surface of the housing; and a cover member for closing the opening of the one end surface of the housing. The waveguide circuit unit and the high-frequency electrical circuit unit form a first unit. The intermediate frequency electrical circuit unit forms a second unit. The first unit and the second unit are arranged so as to be stacked in the housing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system that is chiefly installed outdoors for usein transmitting and receiving radio signals.

2. Description of the Related Art

Generally, there are antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver systemseach integrally formed of an antenna 7 and a transmitter/receiver systembody 1, as shown in FIG. 28, acting as submilliwave or milliwave bandradio equipment used for subscriber radio or the like.

Two sets of radio equipment, as shown in FIG. 27, are respectivelyinstalled facing each other on the two remote buildings 40 and 41, forexample, and are used as means for performing mutual communicationsbetween two buildings 40 and 41. This radio equipment may be used for avariety of applications other than communication means between twobuildings 40 and 41.

The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system has its internalconfiguration as shown in FIG. 29. The transmitter/receiver system body1 consists of a high-frequency electrical circuit unit (RF unit) 2, anintermediate frequency electrical circuit unit (IF unit) 3, a powersupply unit (PS unit) 4, a case 5 acting as a housing, and a covermember 6.

The main electrical circuit units 2, 3, and 4 are independently housedas respective units for insertion into or extraction out of the case 5.Thus an exchange can be made to each of the printed wiring boards forthe main circuit units. If the transmitter/receiver system body 1 ismaintained, inspected, or repaired, an abnormal circuit is exchanged forthe whole unit. Referring to FIG. 29, numeral 15 represents an externalinterface connector.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 30, in the antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system, a horizontal/vertical conversion waveguide(VH conversion waveguide) 44 is mounted at the juncture of the antenna(this figure showing an example in which an axially-symmetrical parabolaantenna is used as an antenna 7) 7 and the waveguide input/output unit8D. This VH conversion waveguide 44 implements a horizontal/verticalpolarized wave conversion. FIG. 31 illustrates an example of ahorizontal (H) conversion and an example of a vertical (V) conversion.That is, in the case of the horizontal conversion, three members 44a,44b, and 44c each with the opening having a gradual different angle areoverlapped with each other. In the case of the vertical conversion, themember 44d is used which has an opening whose angle is not twisted and athickness corresponding to the total thickness of, for example, thethree members 44a, 44b, and 44c.

It is required that the radio equipment is, in nature, at low price,easy to be handled, and can be installed anywhere. Hence, it has beenstrongly desired that the radio equipment is small in size, lightweight,and low in cost.

With the device down-sized and manufactured at low cost, it is becomingmainstream that in order to reduce markedly working hours, the wholedevice is replaced, rather than that a defect spot is checked withmaintenance tools at a failure time and then the defect unit is replacedfor a new one. Hence there is a decreasing need for dividing theinternal unit.

On the other hand, in the device shown in FIG. 29, the RF unit 2, the IFunit 3, and the PS unit 4 each made in a united form increase the numberof parts and assembling steps, so that the increased number of theassembling steps decreases the manufacturing efficiency (or occurringthe so-called division loss). Moreover, the difficulty in convertingcircuits into a LSI or MMIC form impedes a device miniaturization.

The present invention overcomes the above mentioned problems. An objectof the present invention is to provide a small, lightweight antennaintegral-type transmitter/receiver system which realizes the reducednumber of parts and assembling steps.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

For that reason, according to the present invention, the antennaintegral-type transmitter/receiver system is characterized by a housinghaving one end surface in which an opening is formed and the other endin which an antenna mounting surface is formed, and including atransmitter/receiver function unit formed internally of a waveguidecircuit unit, a high-frequency electrical circuit unit, and anintermediate electrical circuit unit; an antenna connected to thetransmitter/receiver function unit mounted on the other surface of thehousing; and a cover member for closing the opening of the one endsurface of the housing; the waveguide circuit unit and thehigh-frequency electrical circuit unit forming a first unit; theintermediate electrical circuit unit forming a second unit; the firstunit and the second unit being arranged so as to be stacked in thehousing.

The housing member closes the opening of one end surface of the coverwhile it allows the antenna to be connected to the transmitter/receiverfunction unit and to be mounted on the other end surface of the housing.

Moreover, the electrical circuit unit in each of the first unit and thesecond unit may be arranged on a common printed wiring board. Thisarrangement allows the entire equipment to be reduced in size.

Moreover, the printed wiring board and the waveguide circuit unit arearranged in the housing in the order of the printed wiring board and thewaveguide circuit unit, and the waveguide circuit unit may be connectedto the antenna via the opening formed in the middle portion of theprinted wiring board.

The waveguide circuit portion and the printed wiring board may bearranged in the housing in the order of the waveguide circuit unit andthe printed wiring board. This arrangement realizes the small-sizedequipment.

Furthermore, the high-frequency electrical circuit unit and otherwaveguide circuit unit may be arranged coaxially around a waveguideinput/output unit connected to the antenna in the waveguide circuit unitand the intermediate electrical circuit unit and the power supply unitare arranged outside the high-frequency electrical circuit unit andother waveguide circuit unit.

The housing has its vertically and horizontally symmetrical outline andcan be rotated 90° to perform a horizontal and vertical conversion whilethe housing is attached to the antenna. The vertical and horizontalconversion can be performed by rotating the whole housing with theantenna 90°.

A shield cover may be formed on the fixture surface of the printedwiring board in the housing, the shield cover having a trench, groove,or separation unit to relieve parts or leads assembled on the printedwiring board. The trench, groove, or separation unit ensures theclearance of the mounted parts or leads assembled on the printed wiringboard and the housing acts as a shield cover.

The printed wiring board may be assembled inside the housing via a basemember. In this case, the base plate functions as a shield cover.

The base member has a trench, groove, or separation unit which relievesparts or leads assembled on the printed wiring board, the base memberacting as a shield cover. Hence, the housing can be shared by changingthe base member, together with modification of the printed wiring board.

The antenna mounting surface of the housing may be used as a groundconductor and a base plate for a plane antenna.

Moreover, the antenna mounting surface of the housing may be used as amain reflector of a parabola antenna.

A sheet heater may be arranged inside the cover member. In this case,warming the electrical components inside the system enables the use incold-weather areas. The general specifications and the cold-weather areaspecifications can be prepared merely by replacing the cover member.

An external interface connector and a positional alignment member may bearranged on an outer side surface of the housing coaxially with respectto the antenna mounting center portion and over a diagonal line crossingthe housing from the end surface to end surface. In this form, thehorizontal/vertical polarized wave conversion can be performed byrotating the system body 90°, without significantly changing theexternal appearance.

The housing and the cover member may be made of a good conductive andgood refractory member. The system can be installed at any place.

Furthermore, a device fitment may be arranged between the housing andthe antenna.

A device support member for supporting the housing via the devicefitment may be prepared, and an attitude adjusting unit may be mountedon the device support member for adjusting the attitude of the antennaand the housing. In this construction, the device support membersupports the housing via the device fitment, and the attitude adjustingunit adjusts the attitudes of the housing and the antenna.

A device support member mounted on said housing for supporting thehousing and the antenna may be prepared, and an attitude adjusting unitmay be mounted on the device support member for adjusting the attitudeof the housing and the antenna. Thus, the housing and the antenna aresupported. The attitude adjusting unit arranged on the device supportmember adjusts the attitude of the housing and the antenna.

A sunshade cover may be mounted on said housing for covering thehousing.

A through-opening corresponding to a waveguide may be formed in theantenna mounting surface of the housing, the through opening acting asthe device input/output unit. The waveguide can be fitted to the housingvia the through-opening.

According to the present invention, the antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system is characterized by a housing having anopening formed on one end surface thereof and including internally anintermediate electrical circuit portion; a base plate which closes oneend surface of the housing, said base plate on which a waveguide circuitunit and a high-frequency electrical circuit unit forming a transmissionand reception function unit are mounted on the side surface of thehousing, together with the intermediate electrical circuit unit, thebase plate having an antenna mounting surface formed on the oppositeside surface to the housing; and an antenna connected to the waveguidecircuit unit on the antenna mounting surface of the base plate.

In such a construction, the intermediate frequency electrical circuitunit is arranged inside the housing with one end surface in which anopening is formed. The base plate closes one end surface of the housing.The waveguide circuit unit and the high-frequency electrical circuitunit forming the transmitter/receiver function unit, together with theintermediate frequency electrical circuit unit, are mounted on the sidesurface of the base plate facing the housing. The antenna mountingsurface is formed on the side opposite the housing. The antenna mountedon the antenna mounting surface of the base plate is connected to thewaveguide circuit unit.

In this case, a through-opening corresponding to the waveguide is formedon the antenna mounting surface in the base plate, the through-openingacting as a device input/output portion.

The antenna mounting surface of the base plate may be formed as a devicemounting fixture portion. This device mounting fixture unit allows thesystem to be mounted securely.

The housing may be formed as a synthetic resin housing and the devicemounting fixture portion may be mounted on the antenna mounting surfaceof the base plate which covers the opening of the housing.

Furthermore, a display window may be formed on the end surface facingthe end surface of the opening in the housing; and the housing mayinclude a display unit for displaying through the display window. Thedisplay unit arranged inside the housing displays via the display windowformed on the end surface facing the opening forming end surface of thehousing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 to 11 show an antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a disassembled perspective view schematically illustrating theentire system configuration;

FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating the internalconfiguration;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating theconfiguration taken along the line 3--3 shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram used for explaining the verticalconversion procedure;

FIG. 4(b) is a schematic diagram used for explaining the horizontalconversion procedure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the entiresystem to explain a conversion procedure of the vertical and horizontalpolarized waves;

FIG. 6(a) is a schematic diagram used for explaining the verticalconversion procedure;

FIG. 6(b) is a schematic diagram used for explaining the horizontalconversion procedure;

FIG. 7 is an electrical circuit diagram showing the configuration of themain electrical circuit unit;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the firstmodified embodiment corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the secondmodified embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the thirdmodified embodiment, corresponding to the cross-sectional view takenalong the line B--B shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the fourthmodified embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a disassembled perspective view schematically illustratingthe entire configuration of the antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system, according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating theinternal configuration of the antenna integral-type receiver/transmittersystem according to the third embodiment of the present invention,corresponding to FIG. 3; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the entireconfiguration of the antenna integral-type receiver/transmitter systemaccording to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

Each of FIGS. 15 to 19 is used to explain an installation example of theantenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according to the firstembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a disassembled perspective view used for explaining the firstinstallation example;

FIG. 16 is a side view used for explaining the first installationexample;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view used for explaining the secondinstallation example;

FIG. 18(a) is a perspective view used for explaining the thirdinstallation example;

FIG. 18(b) is a disassembled perspective view used for explaining thestructure of a fitment for the third installation example; and

FIG. 19 is a perspective view used for explaining the fourthinstallation example.

Each of FIGS. 20 to 26 shows the antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to the fifth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 20 is a disassembled perspective view schematically illustratingthe entire configuration;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating theinternal configuration;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating theinternal configuration;

FIG. 23 is a front view illustrating the external appearance;

FIG. 24 is a rear view illustrating the external appearance;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view partially illustrating the internalconfiguration;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view partially illustrating the modifiedembodiment;

FIG. 27 is a schematic view of the antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system in use;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the antennaintegral-type transmitter/receiver system;

FIG. 29 is a disassembled perspective view schematically illustratingthe internal configuration of the antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system;

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating theconfiguration of the antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system;and

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram used for explaining thehorizontal/vertical polarized conversion procedure in the antennaintegral-type transmitter/receiver system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

(a) Explanation of the first embodiment:

FIG. 1 is a disassembled perspective diagram showing schematically theentire structure of an antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver systemaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown inFIG. 1, this system consists of a transmitter/receiver system body 1 andan antenna 7 integrally mounted to the transmitter/receiver systembody 1. The transmitter/receiver system body 1 consists of a RF unit 2acting as a high-frequency electrical circuit unit, an IF unit 3 actingas an intermediate frequency electrical circuit unit, a PS unit 4 actingas a power supply unit, a waveguide circuit unit 8, a case 5 acting as ahousing, and a cover member 6.

The waveguide circuit unit 8 is formed of a circulator (CIR) 8A, awaveguide filter 8B, and an antenna connecting waveguide 8C. The RF unit2, the IF unit 3, and the waveguide circuit unit 8 provide atransmitter/receiver function unit 13. The antenna 7 is connected to thetransmitter/receiver function unit 13.

The case 5, as shown in FIG. 2, is formed nearly in a square, in theplan view. As shown in FIG. 3, an antenna mounting surface 5A is formedon one end surface of the case 5. An opening 5B is formed on the otherend of the case 5. The RF unit 2, the IF unit 3, the PS unit 4, and thewaveguide circuit unit 8 are housed within the case 5.

The waveguide circuit unit 8 and the RF unit 2 form the first unit 10.The IF unit 3 forms the second unit 11. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, thefirst unit 10 and the second unit 11 are arranged in a stacked formwithin the case 5 in the transmitter/receiver system body 1.

In the system body, the bias electrical circuit unit to be positioned onthe back surface side of the RF unit 2 and the IF unit 3, and the PSunit 4 are integrally arranged on a single printed wiring board 12. Thatis, the electrical circuit units of the first unit 10 and the secondunit 11 are arranged on the common printed wiring board 12. Conductorsfor the main electrical circuit units 2, 3, and 4 are put together onthe single printed wiring board 12.

In this example, the condition in which the printed wiring board 12 andthe waveguide circuit unit 8 are housed is shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. Theyare arranged within the case 5, in the order of the printed wiring board12 and the waveguide circuit unit 8 from the side of the antennamounting surface 5A of the case 5. The RF unit 2 is mounted under thewaveguide circuit unit 8.

An opening 14 is formed in the middle portion of the printed wiringboard 12. The waveguide circuit unit 8 is connected to the antenna 7through the opening 14. Namely, a waveguide input/output unit 8D, asshown in FIG. 3, is formed at the end of the antenna connectingwaveguide 8C of the waveguide circuit unit 8. The antenna 7 is connectedto the waveguide input/output unit 8D through the opening 14.

In the system, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the RF unit 2 and thewaveguide circuit unit 8 are arranged around the waveguide input/outputunit 8D being the center thereof, in the plan view. Moreover, the IFunit 3 and the PS unit 4 are arranged outside the above-mentioned parts.The IF unit 3 and the PS unit 4 have input/output connectors eachconnected with, for example, a cable.

The electrical circuit units of the first unit 10 and second unit 11 arearranged, if necessary, with metal shield covers covering the circuitcomponents.

The electrical circuit configuration of each of the RF unit 2, the IFunit 3, and the PS unit 4 will be explained with, for example, FIG. 7.

The IF unit 3 includes the AGC (automatic gain control unit) 33 on thetransmission side and the AGC 37 on the receiving side. The IF unit 3,the PS unit (power supply unit) 4, and a given control unit (including abias electrical circuit unit for the RF unit 2) are arranged on thecommon printed wiring board 12.

The RF unit 2 consists of a U/C (up converter) 34, a HPA (high-poweramplifier) 35, a circulator 8A, a LNA (low noise amplifier) 38, a D/C(down converter) 39, and a LO (local oscillator) 42. These elements areformed on the MIC (micro-IC) substrate and arranged in the housing forthe RF unit 2. The electrical connection to the waveguide filter 8B ismade by connecting a micro-strip line waveguide modulation circuit tothe waveguide filter 8B. The space within the RF housing is electricallycut to prevent electrical interference between circuits.

Indoor equipment 31 is arranged separately to the transmitter/receiversystem body 1. At a transmission time, the MOD (modulation unit) 32 onthe side of the indoor equipment 31 modulates signals to input to the IFunit 3 on the side of the transmitter/receiver body 1.

The AGC 33 adjusts the gain of the signal and then the U/C 34 in the RFunit 2 converts the frequency of the IF signal into the submillimeter ormillimeter band. The signal also is amplified by the HPA 35 and thentransmitted from the antenna 7 via the circulator 8A.

The radio wave received by the antenna 7 is introduced to the IF unit 3via the circulator 8A, the LNA 38, and the D/C 39. At this time, the D/C39 converts the signal in the submillimeter or millimeter band into anIF signal.

The signal input to the IF unit 3 is gain-adjusted by the AGC 37 andthen the resultant signal is input to the DEM (demodulation unit) 43 inthe indoor equipment 31.

In explanation of the external appearance of the entire system body, asdescribed above, the case 5 is formed nearly in a square in the planview. The external appearance does not change even if the entire systemis rotated at 90° intervals with respect to the waveguide input/outputunit 8D acting the center thereof. In other words, even if the entiresystem is arranged so as to receive a vertical polarized wave, as shownin FIG. 4(a) or a horizontal polarized wave, as shown in FIG. 4(b), theexternal appearance does not change. Namely, the horizontal/verticalpolarized wave conversion, which is performed in the installation fieldto avoid interference between sets of adjacent equipment with the samefrequency bands, can be simply performed by rotating the entire systemat 90°.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 2, 5, 6(a), and 6(b), an externalinterface connector 15 is connected to the system body. A rifle scope 16acting as a positioning member is arranged as shown in FIGS. 5, 6(a),and 6(b). As shown in the figures, the rifle scope 16 and the connector15 are arranged on the diagonal line L on the end surface of the case 5,coaxially around the mounting center portion O of the antenna 7.

Hence, as shown in FIGS. 6(a), and 6(b), the system body is equippedwith the connector 15 arranged downward with respect to the right orleft of the case 5 and the rifle scope 16 positioned over the case 5. Asa result, even after the location of the system body 1, thehorizontal/vertical conversion can be performed merely by rotating thesystem body 1 at only 90°.

The case 5 and the cover member 6 acting as a housing for the systembody is made of a good conductive and heat-resistance member such asaluminum.

The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according to thefirst embodiment of the invention has the above-mentioned structure.Hence the printed wiring board 12 can be integrated and the number ofconstructive components or electrical connecting parts can be reduced,so that the system can be compacted and thinned.

Since the electrical circuit units of the first unit 10 and the secondunit 11 are arranged on the common printed wiring board 12, planeassembling is possible, thus remarkably improving the manufacturingability and assembly ability.

FIG. 1 shows the configuration in which the waveguide filter 8B is usedfor the waveguide circuit portion 8. However, instead of the waveguidefilter 8B, a dielectric filter can be used to simplify theconfiguration.

The conductors of the main electrical circuit units 2, 3, and 4 areintegrally put together on the single printed wiring board 12 within thecase 5. Thus it becomes easy to make the system external appearance besymmetrically to the vertical and horizontal directions with respect tothe connecting portion as the center of the waveguide input/output unit8D for the antenna 7. Hence, the horizontal/vertical polarized waveconversion can be simply established without changing the externalappearance by rotating the entire system at 90° with the antenna 7mounted, whereby the horizontal/vertical conversion waveguide is notneeded. As a result, a small, slim, cost reduced system can be realized.

In the above-mentioned example, a rifle scope is explained as thepositioning member 16. However, a maintenance spare connector, forexample, may be used instead of the positioning member 16, without beingrestricted to the rifle scope.

A modified example of the first embodiment according to the presentinvention will be explained next.

In an explanation of the first modified example, as shown in FIG. 8, atrench (or groove) 5C being a clearance for leads and assemblingcomponents on the printed wiring board 12 and the division portion 5Dfor avoiding interference between units in the printed wiring board 12are formed on the fixing surface of the printed wiring board 12 withinthe case 5. The case 5 is formed as a shield cover, together with thetrench 5C and the division portion 5D, so that no need of the shieldcover allows the entire system to be small-sized and light-weighted.

Next, in an explanation of the second modified embodiment, as shown inFIG. 9, a metal base member 17 is arranged between the case 5 and theprinted wiring board 12. The trench (or groove) 5C and the divisionportion 5D are formed as a shield cover in the base member 17. In such astructure, even if a change in the performance specification orremodeling of the system results in a modification in electricalcomponents for the printed wiring board 12 or replacing the printedwiring board 12 with a different one, a mere replacement of the basemember 17 can deal with the modification.

Thus, there is an advantage in that a general-purpose case 5 can be usedwithout subjecting the case 5 to any change. In other words, thespecification change and remodeling can be quickly dealt at low cost.

Next, in an explanation of the third modification, the case 5, the RFunit 2, and the housing unit 2A are integrally formed as shown in FIG.10. The MIC 19 or similar things is arranged within the RF housing unit2A.

The structure of the system enables the reduced number of components andimproved assembling ability.

Next, the fourth modified embodiment will be explained below. As shownin FIG. 11, the sheet heater 18 is arranged inside the cover member 6 inthe system body 1.

The sheet heater 18 can easily warm electrical components within thecase 5. For example, the system can be installed outdoors in colddistricts. Moreover, the system for a general specification can bechanged into that for cold regions merely by arranging the sheet heater18 on the cover member 6. Hence there is an advantage in that systemsfor different specifications can be manufactured at low cost.

The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according to thepresent invention is mainly installed outdoors. The installationexamples will be explained using FIGS. 15 to 19. FIGS. 15 and 16 arediagrams each showing the first installation example. In the firstinstallation example, the device mounting fitment 20 is arranged betweenthe housing 5 and the antenna 7 of the system body 1.

As shown in FIG. 16, the device support member 21 is arranged on thesupport 24 used to install the system body 1. The system can be arrangedby mounting the device mounting fitment 20 on the device support member21.

An attitude adjusting unit 25 is arranged to the device support member21 to adjust the attitude of each of the antenna 7 and the systembody 1. The attitude adjusting unit 25 can adjust vertically andhorizontally the angle of the system. The horizontal direction of thesystem can be adjusted by rotating, for example, the support 24. Thusthe antenna 7 and the system body 1 can be held in the attitude suitablefor transmission and reception.

As shown in FIG. 16, a sunshade cover 23 is mounted on the housing 5 ofthe system body 1. An antenna cover 22 is mounted to the antenna 7.Where the system is used outdoors, the antenna cover 22 and the sunshadecover 23 protect the antenna 7 and the system body 1, respectively.

In the case of the system installation, the system body is mounted tothe support 24 by using the device mounting fitment 20 and the devicesupport member 21. After the support 24 is rotated at an angle suitablefor the system installation, the attitude adjusting unit 25 adjusts theantenna 7 and the device body 1 to a desired attitude. Hence the systembody can be installed over wide ranges without being restricted to alimited installation range.

With the system body miniaturized and slimmed, there is an advantage inthat the system can be installed with the simplified support mechanism.

Next, the second installation example of the system body will beexplained with FIG. 17. In this case, the system is installed bymounting the device mounting fitment 20A to the cover member 6 arrangedon the back surface of the system body 1. Likewise, the attitudeadjusting unit 25A is arranged to the system support member 21A, wherebythe antenna 7 and the system body 1 can be adjusted in a desiredattitude.

In the second installation example, the device mounting fitment 20A ismounted on the back surface of the system body 1. Thus there is anadvantage in that the system body can be easily installed.

Next, the third installation example of the system body will beexplained. In this installation example, as shown in FIGS. 18(a) and18(b), the nearly U-shaped fitments 21B and 21D are arranged on thelower surface of the housing 5 so as to face to each other. As shown inthe figures, fitments 21B and 21D are connected via a pin pivotablly orrotatably.

The attitude adjusting unit 25B is formed with the pin connecting unit.The attitudes of the antenna 7 and the system body 1 can be adjusted bybonding the fitment 21B to the lower surface of the housing 5 with voltsor the like. In such a system installation, the system can be installedin such a way that other device mounting fitments and device supportmember do not protrude toward the cover member 6 on the back surface ofthe system body.

As shown in FIG. 18(b), the fitment 21B is bonded with the side surfaceof the case 5 of the system, by forming the metal fitting bolt holes inthe side surface. Thus the vertical/horizontal polarized wave conversionis performed according to the condition of the system installation.

As described above, in the third installation example, since anymounting members are not arranged on the back surface of the system body1, the system can be installed without occupying the place in the deepdirection. Hence there is an advantage in that the system body can beinstalled in a narrow space and the vertical/horizontal polarized waveconversion can be simplified.

Finally, the fourth installation example of the system body will beexplained as shown in FIG. 19. In this installation example, like thethird installation example, the device mounting fitment 20C is formed soas to cover the side surface of the housing 5. The device mountingfitment 20C and the device support member 21C are rotatably connected tothe side surface of the housing 5. The angles in the vertical directioncan be adjusted with respect to the connection portion being the centerthereof.

As described above, there is an advantage in that the system body can beinstalled without occupying the place in the deep direction, andinstalled vertically in a compact form.

In either installation example described above, down-sizing and slimmingthe system allows the system installation using a simpler supportmechanism.

The attitude adjusting unit 25, 25A to 25C can be rotatably formed withrespect to two axis directions including the center axis of the support24 and the axis perpendicular to the center axis. Even when the supportmember 24 is fixed, the attitude of the antenna 7 can be easily adjustedafter an installation of the system.

The installation of the system should not be limited to the first tofourth installation examples. The system is widely applicable to otherinstallation examples.

(b) Explanation of the second embodiment:

Next, explanation will be made as to the antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to the second embodiment of thepresent invention. FIG. 12 is a disassembled perspective view showingschematically the entire structure of the antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the second embodiment, contrary to theconfiguration of the first embodiment, the waveguide circuit unit 8 andthe printed wiring board 12 are arranged in the case 5 in the order ofthe waveguide circuit unit 8 and the printed wiring board 12 from themounting surface 5A of the antenna 7 on the case 5. In other words, theelements are housed in the reverse order to that in the firstembodiment. Other elements are substantially similar to those in thefirst embodiment.

That is, the waveguide circuit unit 8 is constituted of a circulator(CIR) 8A, a waveguide filter 8B, and an antenna coupling waveguide 8C.The transmit/receive function unit 13 is formed of the RF unit 2, the IFunit 3, and the waveguide circuit unit 8. The antenna 7 is connected tothe transmit/receive function unit 13.

The opening 5B is formed in the other end surface of the case 5. Thecase 5 houses the RF unit 2, the IF unit 3, the PS unit 4, and thewaveguide circuit portion 8.

The waveguide circuit unit 8 and the RF unit 2 provides the first unit10. The IF unit 3 provides the second unit 11. As shown in FIG. 12, thefirst unit 10 and the second unit 11 are arranged in a stacked form inthe case 5 of the transmitter/receiver system body 1.

As shown in FIG. 12, the direction of the RF unit 2 arranged to the case5 is the same as that in the first embodiment. The printed wiring board12 is arranged in a stacked form on the side of the cover member 6 ofthe RF unit 2.

The IF unit 3 and the PS unit 4 (and, if necessary, the bias electricalcircuit portion of the RF unit 2) are integrally arranged on the singleprinted wiring board 12. The electrical circuit units in the first unit10 and the second unit 11 are arranged on the common printed wiringboard 12. The conductors for the main electrical circuit portions 2, 3,and 4 are summed up.

As described above, since the printed wiring board 12 is housed in theback side of the mounting surface 5A of the antenna 7, the opening 14,described with the first embodiment, is not formed in the middle of theprinted wiring board 12. The waveguide circuit portion 8 is connecteddirectly to the antenna 7.

The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according to thesecond embodiment of the present invention has the above-mentionedstructure. Hence the effect substantially identical to that of the firstembodiment can be obtained. Since the opening 14 which is formed in themiddle portion of the printed wiring board 12 to connect the waveguidecircuit portion 8 with the antenna 7 is not needed, the printed wiringboard 12 can be effectively utilized. Moreover, since the waveguidecircuit unit 8 does not penetrate the printed wiring board 12, there isan advantage in that the freedom in size of the height of each of the IFunit 3 and the PS unit 4 increases.

The second embodiment may be constituted as the first to fourthmodifications of the first embodiment.

It may be considered that the case 5, the RF unit 2, and the housingunit 2A are integrated and the MIC 19 is arranged inside the RF housingunit 2A. The sheet heater 18 may be arranged inside the cover member 6of the system body 1.

The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system of the secondembodiment can be arranged as that of the first embodiment (refer toFIGS. 15 to 19).

(c) Explanation of the third embodiment:

Next, the antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according tothe third embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 13is a cross-sectional view showing schematically the internal structureand corresponds to FIG. 3.

In the third embodiment, only the structure of the antenna 7 isdifferent from those in the first and second embodiments. As shown inFIG. 13, in this example, the plane antenna 7A is mounted in place ofthe conventional antenna 7.

In the plane antenna 7A, the feeder substrate 7D is sandwiched in thefoam dielectric 7B. The antenna radome 7C covers the foam dielectric 7Band the feeder substrate 7D. The plane antenna 7A is mounted on theantenna mounting surface 5A of the case 5.

The antenna mounting surface 5A of the case 5 acts as the groundconductor for the plane antenna 7A. Hence the antenna mounting surface5A is made of aluminum or similar material. The antenna mounting surface5A is used as a base plate to satisfy the strength of the plane antenna7A.

The plane antenna 7A may have either structure shown in the first orsecond embodiments. The juncture for coupling between the antenna 7A andthe transmit/receive function unit 13 may be positioned at a place otherthan the center of the system body 1.

Since the antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according tothe third embodiment of the present invention is constituted as theabove-mentioned plane antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system,the effect similar to those of the first and second embodiments can beobtained. Moreover, a slimmer transmitter/receiver system can bemanufactured at low cost. Moreover there is an advantage in that theentire system has a good external appearance.

The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according to thethird embodiment can be installed as seen in the first embodiment (referto FIGS. 15 to 19).

(d) Explanation of the fourth embodiment:

Next, the antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according tothe fourth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG.14 is a perspective view showing schematically the entire configuration.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, a surface of the case 5acting as a housing is formed as the main reflector of the antenna 7.Namely, the case 5 itself acts as a parabola antenna 7.

The interior of the system is constituted as explained with the firstand second embodiments.

The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according to thefourth embodiment of the present invention is constituted like theabove-mentioned structure. Hence the effect substantially similar tothose of the first and second embodiments can be obtained and the systemcan be miniaturized and slimmed so that the number of the components canbe reduced.

The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according to thefourth embodiment can be installed as seen in the first embodiment(refer to FIGS. 17 to 19).

(e) Explanation of the fifth embodiment:

Next, the antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according tothe fifth embodiment of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 20is a disassembled perspective view showing schematically the entireconfiguration. FIGS. 21 and 22 are cross-sectional views each showingschematically the internal constructions. FIG. 23 is a front viewshowing the external appearance. FIG. 24 is a rear view showing theexternal appearance. FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view showingthe external appearance.

In the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the IF unit (intermediatefrequency electrical circuit unit) 3 is included inside the case(housing) 105 with one end surface opened. The base plate 117 isarranged so as to face the opening 105A of the case 105. The end surfaceof the case 105 is closed. Thus an antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system is constituted.

The waveguide circuit unit 8 and the RF unit (high-frequency electricalcircuit portion) 2 are mounted on the side surface of the case 105 ofthe base plate 117. The opposite side surface of the case 105 of thebase plate 117 is formed as the antenna mounting surface 117A. Like theIF unit 3, the PS unit 4 is arranged inside the case 105.

Hence, in the antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver systemaccording to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the IF unit 3,the waveguide circuit unit 8, and the RF unit 2 are exposed byseparating the case 105 from the base plate 117. The band splittingfilters 8B and 8E can be easily exchanged without detaching theassembled units 2, 3, and 8 from the case 105, so that maintenance andinspection can be simply performed. The case 105 is formed of asynthetic resin material such as FRP.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the through-hole portion 80 correspondingto a waveguide is formed in the antenna mounting surface 117A of thebase plate 117. The through-hole portion 80 is used as the input/outputunit on the side of the equipment (or antenna interface unit).

That is, as shown in FIG. 25, the waveguide 8C is connected to theantenna 7 through the through-hole 80. The packing member 82 such as ahermetic window 81, e.g. mica, and an O-ring is arranged between thebase plate 117 and the waveguide 8C. As shown in FIG. 20, in fact, therecess portion 80A is formed around the through-hole portion 80 of thebase plate 117.

As shown in FIGS. 20 to 23, the display window 60 is formed in theclosed surface of the case 105 of the system. The display window 60 isformed by arranging an opening 61 for the display window in a part ofthe closed surface of the case 105 and covering the opening 61 with thetransparent member 62 such as transparent acrylic material or glass.This display window 60 allows the display content of the display unit 70included in the case 105 to be confirmed.

The display unit 70, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 23, which consists of theLED 71, the level meter 72, and the check terminal 73 displays thereceiving sensitivity and the device operational condition.

As shown in FIG. 24, the antenna mounting surface 117A on the base plate117 is formed as the device mounting fixture 90. The device mountingfixture 90 is a member used to mount the system fixed and used indoorsand outdoors. Even if the stiffness of the case 105 is designed low,sufficient durability can be realized by arranging the fixture 90 to thebase plate 117.

The structure (refer to FIGS. 24 and 25) including the through-hole 80corresponding to the waveguide formed in the antenna mounting surface117A of the base plate 117 and antenna 7 connected to the waveguide 8Cvia the through-hole 80 is applicable to the first to fourthembodiments.

In the antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according tothe fifth embodiment of the present invention, as described above, theIF unit 3 and the PS unit 4 are included on the side of the case 105 andthe waveguide circuit portion 8 and the RF unit 2 are mounted on theside surface of the case 105 of the base plate 117 used to close thecase 105. Thus the IF unit 3, the waveguide circuit unit 8 and the RFunit 2 can be separated from the side of the case 105 and the side ofthe base plate 117. These units can be assembled and adjusted indifferent steps.

That is, at the time of the specification modification of the system,particularly, the exchange of the band splitting filters 8B and 8Eassociated with frequency changes, it is unnecessary to disassemble allassembled units. As a result, the number of steps needed to thespecification modification can be reduced.

The case 105 is required only to have as degree as the strength withwhich the IF unit 3 and the PS unit 4 can be held, by mounting thedevice fixture 90 on the side of the antenna mounting surface 117A ofthe base plate 117. Hence, it is possible to use a synthetic resinmaterial such as FRP so that the system can be made in lightweight andat low cost.

The specially-shaped flange and the hermetic window flange for fixingthe base plate 117 (corresponding to the case 5 in other embodiments)are not needed by forming the through-hole 80 corresponding to thewaveguide in the antenna mounting surface 117A and using thethrough-hole 80 as the input/output unit 8D on the system side. Thus thelow manufacturing cost and improved assembling capability can beestablished.

Moreover, conventionally, unless components such as the RF unit 2, theIF unit 3, and the PS unit 4 are prepared, the system assembly workcannot be made progress. However, according to the present system, theassembling work advances in parallel on the side of the case 105 and theside of the base plate 117, whereby the work efficiency can be improved.

The structure which includes the display window 60 formed in the endsurface facing the opening 105A of the case 105 and the display unit 70included within the case 105 to display through the display window 60allows the system body to have the necessary display functions (thesignal receiving level display, a transmission output level, and theconfirmation display for a primary power supply or the like needed in anantenna direction adjusting operation at the time of the installation ofa transmitter and receiver unit or a periodical maintenance work). Thusit is possible to remove the exclusive external display.

(f) Others:

As shown in FIG. 26, the external side surface 117B or 5B in the baseplate 117 or the case 5 may be formed as coupling surface to otherdevices. The waveguide 8C may be connected to other devices through thethrough-hole 80.

In this case, the internal structure of the device (the left side to thebase plate 117 in the figure) viewed from the through-hole 80 is notshown particularly. However, the system may have the internal structureshown in any one of the first to fifth embodiments.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, in the internal structure, the first unit10 having the waveguide circuit portion 8 and the RF unit 2 and thesecond unit 11 having the IF unit 3 are arranged in a stacked formwithin the housing 5, or the printed wiring board 12 and the waveguidecircuit portion 8 each having the electrical circuit portions of thefirst unit 10 and the second unit 11 are arranged in the housing inorder of either the printed wiring board 12 and the waveguide circuitportion 8 or the waveguide circuit portion 8 and the printed wiringboard 12. As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the structure may include thewaveguide circuit unit 8 and the RF unit 2 arranged on the base plate117, in addition to the IF unit 3 included in the case 105.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

As described above, the antenna integral-type transmitter/receiversystem according to the present invention is useful as a small,lightweight antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system, andsuitable mainly for an antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver systeminstalled outdoors.

We claim:
 1. An antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver systemcomprising:a housing (5) having one end surface in which an opening (5B)is formed and the other end surface in which an antenna mounting surface(5A) is formed, and including a transmitter/receiver function unit (13)formed of a waveguide circuit unit (8), a high-frequency electricalcircuit unit (2), and an intermediate electrical circuit unit (3) insidethe housing; an antenna (7) connected to said transmitter/receiverfunction unit (13) mounted on the other end surface of said housing (5);and a cover member (6) for closing the opening (5B) of the one endsurface of said housing (5); said waveguide circuit unit (8) and saidhigh-frequency electrical circuit unit (2) forming a first unit (10),said intermediate electrical circuit unit (3) forming a second unit(11), said first unit (10) and said second unit (11) being arranged soas to be stacked in said housing (5), wherein the electrical circuitunit in each of said first unit (10) and said second unit (11) isarranged on a common printed wiring board (12).
 2. The antennaintegral-type transmitter/receiver system according to claim 1, whereinsaid printed wiring board (12) and said waveguide circuit unit (8) arearranged in said housing in the order of said printed wiring board (12)and said waveguide circuit unit (8), and wherein said waveguide circuitunit (8) is connected to said antenna (7) via said opening (14) formedin the middle portion of said printed wiring board (12).
 3. The antennaintegral-type transmitter/receiver system according to claim 1, whereinsaid waveguide circuit unit (8) and said printed wiring board (12) arearranged in said housing (5) in the order of said waveguide circuit unit(8) and said printed wiring board (12).
 4. The antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3,wherein said high-frequency electrical circuit unit (2) and saidwaveguide circuit unit (8) are arranged coaxially around a waveguideinput/output unit (8D) connected to said antenna (7) in said waveguidecircuit unit (8) and wherein said intermediate frequency electricalcircuit unit (3) and power supply unit (4) are arranged outside saidhigh-frequency electrical circuit unit (2) and said waveguide circuitunit (8).
 5. The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver systemaccording to claim 1, wherein said housing (5) has its vertically andhorizontally symmetrical outline and can be rotated at 90° to perform ahorizontal/vertical conversion while the housing (5) is attached withsaid antenna (7).
 6. The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiversystem according to claim 1, further comprising a shield cover formed onthe fixture surface of said printed wiring board (12) in said housing(5), said shield cover having a trench, groove (5C), or separation unit(5D) to relieve parts or leads assembled on said printed wiring board(12).
 7. The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system accordingto claim 1, wherein said printed wiring board (12) is assembled insidesaid housing (5) via a base member (17).
 8. The antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to claim 7, wherein said basemember (17) has a trench, groove (5C), or separation unit (5D) whichrelieves parts or leads assembled on said printed wiring board (12),said base member (17) acting as a shield cover.
 9. The antennaintegral-type transmitter/receiver system according to claim 1, whereinthe antenna mounting surface (5A) of said housing (5) is used as aground conductor and a base plate for a plane antenna (7A).
 10. Theantenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according to claim 1,wherein said antenna mounting surface (5A) of said housing (5) is usedas a main reflector of a parabola antenna.
 11. The antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to claim 1, further comprising asheet heater (18) arranged inside said cover member (6).
 12. The antennaintegral-type transmitter/receiver system according to claim 1, furthercomprising an external interface connector (15) and a positionalalignment member (16) arranged on an outer side surface of said housing(5) coaxially with respect to the antenna mounting center portion (O)and over a diagonal line (L) crossing said housing from the end surfaceto end surface.
 13. The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiversystem according to claim 1, wherein said housing (5) and said covermember (6) are made of a good conductive and good refractory member. 14.The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver system according to claim1, further comprising a device mounting fitment (20) arranged betweensaid housing (5) and said antenna (7).
 15. The antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to claim 14, further comprising adevice support member (21) for supporting said housing (5) via saiddevice mounting fitment (20), and an attitude adjusting member (25)mounted on said device support member (21) for adjusting the attitude ofsaid antenna (7) and said housing (5).
 16. The antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to claim 1, further comprising adevice support member (21A) mounted on said housing (5) for supportingsaid housing (5) and said antenna (7), and an attitude adjusting unit(25A) mounted on said device support member (21A) for adjusting theattitude of said housing (5) and said antenna (7).
 17. The antennaintegral-type transmitter/receiver system according to claim 1, furthercomprising a sunshade cover (23) mounted on said housing (5) forcovering said housing (5).
 18. The antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to claim 1, wherein a throughopening corresponding to a waveguide is formed in the antenna mountingsurface (5A) of said housing (5), said through opening acting as thedevice input/output unit (8D).
 19. The antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system comprising:a housing (105) having an opening(105A) formed on one end surface thereof and including internally anintermediate frequency electrical circuit portion (3); a base plate(117) which closes one end surface of said housing, said base plate onwhich a waveguide circuit unit (8) and a high-frequency electricalcircuit unit (2) forming a transmission and reception function unit aremounted on the side surface of said housing (105), together with saidintermediate frequency electrical circuit unit 3, said base plate havingan antenna mounting surface (117A) formed on the opposite side surfaceto said housing (105); and an antenna (7) connected to said waveguidecircuit unit (8) on said antenna mounting surface (117A) of said baseplate (117).
 20. The antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver systemaccording to claim 19, wherein a through opening (80) corresponding tosaid waveguide (8C) is formed on said antenna mounting surface (117A) insaid base plate (117), said through opening (80) acting as a deviceinput/output portion (8D).
 21. The antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to claim 19, wherein said antennamounting surface (117A) of said base plate (117) is formed as a devicemounting fixture portion (90).
 22. The antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to claim 19, wherein said housing(105) is made of a synthetic resin housing (105); and wherein saiddevice mounting fixture portion (90) is mounted on said antenna mountingsurface (117A) of said base plate (117) which covers the opening (105A)of said housing (105).
 23. The antenna integral-typetransmitter/receiver system according to claim 19, wherein a displaywindow (60) is formed on the end surface facing the end surface of saidopening (105A) in said housing (105); and wherein said housing (105)includes a display unit (70) for displaying through said display window(60).
 24. An antenna integral-type transmitter/receiver systemcomprising:a housing (5) having one end surface in which an opening (5B)is formed and the other end surface in which an antenna mounting surface(5A) is formed, and including a transmitter/receiver function unit (13)formed of a waveguide circuit unit (8), a high-frequency electricalcircuit unit (2), and an intermediate electrical circuit unit (3) insidethe housing; an antenna (7) connected to said transmitter/receiverfunction unit (13) mounted on the other end surface of said housing (5);and a cover member (6) for closing the opening (5B) of the one endsurface of said housing (5), said waveguide circuit unit (8) and saidhigh-frequency electrical circuit unit (2) forming a first unit (10),said intermediate electrical circuit unit (3) forming a second unit(11), said first unit (10) and said second unit (11) being arranged soas to be stacked in said housing (5), wherein said high-frequencyelectrical circuit unit (2) and said waveguide circuit unit (8) arearranged coaxially around a waveguide input/output unit (8D) connectedto said antenna (7) in said waveguide circuit unit (8), and wherein saidintermediate frequency electrical circuit unit (3) and power supply unit(4) are arranged outside said high-frequency electrical circuit unit (2)and said waveguide circuit unit (8).